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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

L aurie couldn’t focus on what the teacher was saying, something about revision and their GCSEs.

‘What do ya fancy for dinner then?’ Kerry whispered. ‘Shall we sneak out for pizza?’

Laurie didn’t lift her head from her exercise book. ‘I’ve got to see someone,’ she said.

Kerry stopped writing. ‘You going for a job interview?’

‘No, I’ve got a doctor’s appointment,’ Laurie lied.

‘What’s up with yer?’

Laurie turned. ‘Mind your own,’ she said, tapping her nose.

Kerry gasped. ‘Oh my God, you’re not pregnant, are yer?’

‘No, I’m not, you silly cow.’

Kerry looked curiously at her. ‘You’re acting weird. Are you going to tell me or not?’

The teacher hovered over them. ‘Less chat, you two.’

The hands of the clock struck one, and the sound of slamming books echoed around the room, followed by the click-clack of shoes as everyone made for the door. Laurie didn’t stop to talk to anyone but left the building and walked the ten minutes it took to get to town. The STD clinic was down a side road, and Laurie walked briskly past it, stopping to check no one she knew was behind her before retracing her footsteps and entering.

It was easier than she’d imagined. No one judged her as she’d dreaded, and the examination and swabs were easy. Chances were, he hadn’t given her anything, but she didn’t want to take that chance. How many other vulnerable girls like her had he drugged and raped? Girls exactly like her, no doubt, with reputations that would go against them in court.

‘It looks a bit sore in there,’ said the nurse.

Laurie didn’t speak.

‘Do you want to talk about anything, Laurie?’ the nurse asked gently.

Laurie shook her head. Tears were threatening to flow; that was the last thing she wanted. Keep it together , she told herself.

‘I’ll prescribe something for the soreness. You can get down now.’

Laurie got off the couch and sat in a chair opposite the nurse. Sitting down hurt, and she grimaced.

‘I’m also giving you a prescription for the morning-after pill. It’s your choice whether to take it. If you want to come back anytime, Laurie, feel free to do so, even if it’s just for a chat. We should have the results in a few days.’

‘Thanks,’ said Laurie, taking the prescription, but she knew she would never return. It was humiliating and shameful, and for that, she hated him.